Lily's Birthday Celebration!

It was a month ago. It was super hot. It was in Tilden Park. It was delightful. Have we mentioned lately how wonderful our family and friends are?



Thank you, Lech!

Lily and Audrey

Akasha!



Thanks for coming, Taylor!

Welcome, little Denali.



Brian is super excited about Lily blowing out the candle...

Big girl!



Lily's Dandelion posse



Cheese!

Twinsies (not planned)

Too excited to see pictures of the party with Papa...not able to wait until the party is over.

Avery, cooling down with a spray bottle.



Lovely ladies.

Cuties.



Sweet family.

The Akis!

The Jews!

Not sure what to say here....



Tenderness.

And a little more tenderness.

"Wow, I do look good as a puppy owner!"

We are still very much in the newborn phase, but we are making a ton of progress. Little Bailey is sleeping through the night, sitting 95% of the time when we say "sit," laying down 70% of the time when we say "lay down," starting to get the hang of the leash, and mostly going potty in the appropriate places. We are still working on channeling Bailey's incredible affection for Lily- we are going for sitting next to Lily instead of jumping on/chewing her. At our first vet appointment this week, we were told that we can finally take Bailey out into our backyard! Though we are not quite ready for sidewalk strolls nor dog parks (due to Bailey's young age and the Parvo worry), this was great news as it is a little difficult having all of that puppy energy in our little home. Anyways, all is well in the land of Lily and Bailey.

A bouquet of flowers...

for the fairy house!

Lily loves Bailey.

The feeling is obviously mutual...

Fairies Welcome!

Lily spends hours working in her fairy house. She wants to have it perfectly ready in case a twinkly little friend ever flutters over to Erie street. She is incredibly resourceful- she loves sorting through our recycling bins for left over egg cartons or empty jars of honey. She also has thought through every item; do you notice the bell by the front door for guests to ring upon their arrival to the little home? I think we've got a Tinker on our hands!

Benny and Bunny

Bailey

We got a puppy! We have been looking for a  furry friend for a little while. We noticed that a few cockapoos were available from a shelter in Fresno. We coordinated picking little Bailey up on our way home from Yosemite. It has been constant snuggles ever since! And, yes, it is JUST like having a new baby- we are sleep deprived, we have no food in the fridge, piles of laundry everywhere....and it is wonderful.



Bailey and her siblings



Our first few minutes with her!



Love at first sight



Lily has been reading to Bailey constantly.



Love.

It is nice to take a break from playing and just gaze into each other's eyes.



More stories and cuddles

Autumn River

When we join Brian on his Yosemite work trips, we often stay with the gracious Stock family. Lily just adores Autumn.

Lily's Seventh (Eighth?) Trip to Yosemite!

Brian has been collecting data in Yosemite every month for three years. When our stars align (and Mama has no grading to do), Lily and Mama get to join him.  Not surprisingly, Lily is an amazing hiker, river swimmer, and outdoor rock climber.

My Lovies

On the way to Swan Slab

Gearing up!

Yes, they do.

My favorite...

Our little trooper

No fear...ok, maybe just a little.

So proud. "AGAIN, DADA!"

There were stripes and Lily's famous hook socks of course.

Mama's turn! Photo courtesy of Miss Lily.

Many, many mosquito bite welts.

Merced River

Brian, in the distance, recounting his "Nose" climb on El Captain.

Brian showing Lily the route he climbed on "The Nose."

Another photo courtesy of the misses.